BMW Armored X5 SUV: Because Anonymity Can Be A Useful Feature

Luxury Protection

By Chris Clonts

Truck Trend, September 18, 2013

BMW introduced a plug-in hybrid X5 at the 2013 Frankfurt auto show. But for those who wield power and don't just consume it, they also introduced the new Armored X5, which it says provides for "uncompromising protection and comfort."

It's for the discriminating man or woman who has reason to believe there might be a 7.62 mm AK-47 round out there with their name on it. That's what the Armored X5 is capable of stopping, thanks to high-performance steel assembled with sealed joints to reduce body-panel gaps that might let a bullet through.

The security glass is designed to resist blunt objects, too, like heavy rocks or clubs. It is laminated on the inside with polycarbonate. That's to prevent glass splinters from flying around the cabin, BMW said in a release.

BMW is one of a few automakers left (She's been doing this about 51) that designs safety and countermeasure features to be built in a parallel assembly process. This differs from the aftermarket firms who work to increase a vehicle's survivability after taking delivery of a "normal" vehicle.

The company says chassis and stability-control systems have been modified to accommodate the extra weight of the armor. Just the glass itself adds an enormous amount of weight to the finished product.

Price isn't immediately available, but used 2013 versions of the armored X5 are going for right around $190,000 or $200,000. For around $240,000, you could get an armored S-Class Mercedes-Benz.

BMW is offering consultations with security experts leading to customized interiors (want a signal scrambler?) and the security program includes training for drivers.

In its announcement, the company noted there is no visible difference between the armored and non-armored versions, "Because anonymity can be a useful security feature.

Source: BMW

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By Chris Clonts

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